Music
Extra-curricular opportunities are available for students to participate in the junior vocal ensemble (years 3 and 4), senior vocal ensemble (years 5, 6 and 7) and recorder consort (years 6 and 7) with no audition required. Students may also audition to become a part of the instrumental programme (years 5, 6 and 7), which leads to membership of ensembles including the beginner band, senior concert band and stage band. Instrumental students may also elect to participate at the Eisteddfod in solo, duet and small ensemble items. Middle Ridge State School has an excellent reputation for quality musical performances, both at school and in the public arenas of the Eisteddfod, Fanfare, Sing Out and Todays Youth in Music Education (TYME) festivals.
Opti-minds
Students from tear 4 to 6 have the opportunity to participate in the Regional Opti-minds challenges. Students are nominated based on a set of criteria. Students join a 'Thinker’s Group' where they are prepared with the skills needed for the challenges. The teams are organised and the challenge begins in term 3. The Regional Day is held in late August.
Maths team challenge
Schools from across the Darling Downs and South West Region are invited to participate in this Maths competition. The challenges involve two contests, Team contest and a Relay contest. Selected students from Middle Ridge State School are prepared before the challenges with practices and sessions on problem-solving skills. Maths enrichment groups work with the support teacher, literacy and numeracy.
International competitions and assessments for schools (ICAS)
ICAS tests are independent skills-based tests with a competition element. Parents of students from years 3 to 7 nominate their children to participate in these tests each year. Students may nominate for one or all of the following tests:
Computer skills
English
Maths
Science
Spelling
Writing
Student library volunteers
The school library has a lunchtime program for student library volunteers from years 4 to 7.
Camps and excursions
We offer our students a range of external and internal camps and excursions to support and enhance learning experiences from across the curriculum.
Sporting activities
Students of the upper primary year levels are afforded opportunities to participate in a range of additional sporting opportunities created both within and beyond the school each term.
Chaplain coordinated programs
Rock and water
Run by trained facilitators from the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), and teaches students skills in self-defence, team work, focussing during lessons, and self-control. Students are provided with opportunities to practice and reinforce their skills in role play situations.
Friends for life
A program that assists children in developing the life skills necessary to effectively cope with emotionally challenging situations whilst promoting self-confidence. Students learn how to identify when they may be feeling distressed and the techniques they can use to ease the situation, such as breathing techniques, positive thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Shine
This program that promotes positive life skills and encourages young women to place value on themselves. As the girls work through the program they develop not only an awareness of their own unique beauty and value, but they also learn to appreciate the same in others.
Strength
A program that promotes positive life skills and encourages young men to place value on themselves and to also appreciate the value of others. Learning opportunities are created that help to develop decision making and problem solving skills. Boys participate in activities which are designed to build their confidence and develop future oriented personal goals.